During the contract signing ceremony held at Lusaka Golf Club on Friday evening, Zambia Sugar Plc board chairman Fidelis Banda said the sponsorship of the tournament was one way that the company invested in youth sports development.

“This is part of our compressive shared value programme which also delegates resources to help develop infrastructure at the Mazabuka Golf Club and sponsoring the youth development programme,

“We have particular interest in developing young talent through the talent identification programme in partnership with the Zambia Golf Union (ZGU) ,” said Banda

He said the tournament provided a platform to bring world class golf in Zambia.

He said it was one way of raising the standards of golf in Zambia and gave the young golfers an opportunity to compete against high rated players.

“As part of creating shared value, we have agreed with the Zambia Golf Union to share part of the proceeds from the tournament to support a community project in Mazabuka. It is our hope that, together with other sponsors, we can help improve the living standards of communities,” Banda said.

ZGU president Jason Kazilimani said Zambia Sugar had once more showed that it was a true corporate citizen amid tough economic challenges.

Kazilimani said the Union was humbled by the sponsorship package and would ensure Zambia’s golfing standards continued to improve.

“It is humbling to note that despite the harsh economic times, Zambia Sugar has managed to set aside money to sponsor sport as a community support,

“We owe it to Zambia Sugar’s input of ensuring the Mazabuka Golf Club reaches an international standard, from nine holes to 12 holes. It is my belief that soon it will have 18 holes,” he said.